It's true. I could have died last night on the interstate.
After babysitting all day I had been driving for about an hour and a half heading east toward home. My friend and I had ended our on-the-road, catch-up conversation and it felt like I was just cruising to the end, nearly there. In the darkness I found myself just a few miles from the I80 and I380 interchange. Traveling a bit over the speed limit, there were cars ahead of me, behind me and several in the passing lane to my left. With the radio blaring oldies and anticipating the upcoming exit, I suddenly noticed out of the corner of my left eye, that the car passing me was veering into my lane. The front right side of the car was well into my lane. A scream erupted from inside me as I guided my car to the right shoulder, preparing for impact and wondering what was going to happen next.

At the last second the driver corrected its direction and got back into the passing lane, speeding up to accommodate the car bearing down on it from behind.

My first emotion was anger! I pounded on the horn, long and hard, letting the driver know that I was scared out of my wits and what in the world was he doing anyway???

After settling down, I realized that I could have died in that moment. If the car had continued it's path farther into my lane and hit my drivers side door, my little red Prius would have been catapulted into the ditch, more than likely end over end.

But it wasn't my time. There is something more for me. I get another day.

While visiting with Brian's mother today she, at 97, quietly reported that she is just existing now because she "should be dead." I told her about my moment on the interstate last night and reminded her that she has been given another day to live, just like me.

She looked at me and quietly nodded, perhaps not fully agreeing.

But, from where I stand, today seems so much brighter with "gift" as it's title.

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:14-15

Do you need a warm and safe place in which to rest your soul? Here you will find a collection of nurturing stories from the life I find myself living. I hope you can glean encouragement from your time here. Thanks so much for stopping by.